Rule of Third

What is the ‘rule of third’?The rule of third is a concept in which the frame (whether it be a photo or a video) is split up into 9 imaginary sections, creating reference points as guidelines for framing the shot. The points of interest should be at 1/3 or 2/3 of the way across or up the frame, and not in the centre. This is not a necessary thing to do however it works best most of the time as studies have shown that people’s eyes tend to not first look towards the middle of an image, but to one of the intersection points.

Examples…

This is an example which I have found where the rule of third is used. The main focus is on the cheetah which is shown at the two intersection points to the left and the centre of the frame.

Own example…

This is my own example where the image conforms to the rule of third. This photo was taken at a festival I went to in 2016, and it shows how the main focus is on the right intersection and the centre which is of me and my friends with the welcome decoration sign above. The stage in the background to the left of the frame is noticed afterwards.

Own example…

This is another one of my own examples however in this image the rule of third is subverted as the main focus of the image is in the centre of the image which shows the stage of the festival. The key area does not cover the other intersections apart from any light coming from it.